Latest news with #FernBritton
BreakingNews.ie
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Fern Britton: ‘There were so many secrets when I was growing up'
Fern Britton is best known for her years on daytime television, but over the past decade she's built a quieter career as a novelist down in Cornwall. In her latest book, A Cornish Legacy, Britton draws on her life to explore themes of divorce, inheritance and the emotional weight of old houses. Advertisement 'It started with this idea of a house – not a particular one,' Britton says, 'but that kind of romantic, magical mystery stuff of Cornwall. You know, where the air is a thin veil to the next world.' It's an atmospheric setting, but it also lets her dig into themes of loss, identity and starting again, drawn in part from her own life and observations of changing rural communities. Fern Britton lives and writes in North Cornwall (Fern Britton/PA) 'Friendship is everything,' she says. 'Nobody has a lot of friends – that's silly – but I've got maybe about seven or eight really good women. They're just like those best naughty friends you had at school.' Britton is speaking from Cornwall, where she's lived full-time for the past few years – though her connection to the place goes much further back. 'We always came down here – my mum, my sister, my grandmother […] it was our family nucleus,' she says. 'That magic in me – it was there from then. When I was old enough to know that Cornwall wasn't just a place for holidays, I was determined to live here.' Advertisement It's this enduring attachment that underpins much of her writing. Her latest novel centres on Delia, a woman who unexpectedly inherits a faded estate in the county. But, as with most of Britton's fiction, the deeper story lies in the emotional undertones of complex relationships and the people we choose to save – and be saved by. 'I've been sitting in my house in Cornwall doing it up over the last few years,' she says. 'Every day a little something more happens, and you think, yes, it's starting to feel like a proper home now. And that was the same for Delia. All she did was put one foot after another and put her head down. 'That is also me. That is what I've done.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fern Britton (@fernbritton) There are shades of autobiography throughout, although Britton is careful to point out that she writes fiction. Still, she doesn't shy away from drawing on personal experience – including romantic misadventures and family revelations that arrived far later in life than expected. Advertisement 'There were so many secrets when I was growing up,' she says. 'For instance, I never grew up with my father and didn't know what had happened. He told me when I was in my 50s that he'd left my mum and sister, but on a visit home, he jumped back into bed with my mum. By the time he was finished and gone, I was conceived.' That experience – of realising an entire branch of her family tree had been quietly buried – still stays with her. 'Everybody in the family must have known what happened, but nobody told me.' It wasn't the only shock. 'My mum and my dad divorced when I was very young, and she focused all her energy on me,' Britton says. 'And also my grandmother – she had a child out of wedlock in 1914. We never knew. Then, one day, when I was working in TV down here, I got a letter from a man saying he was my mum's half-brother. He was the boy my grandmother had to give away.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fern Britton (@fernbritton) Britton now feels a responsibility to be totally open with her own children. 'My children – I have got no surprises for them, nothing,' she says. 'I've probably told them too much!' Advertisement If family history is one kind of inheritance, then home – or the loss of it – is another. Britton recalls arriving in Cornwall for work in the early 1980s and being able to buy a small house for £15,000 with a 100% mortgage. 'That was the beginning,' she says. 'But now it's all got so high in price. When Covid started, it all went mad, and now those houses are going back on the market for too much money, and no one can afford them.' She's noticed the change in tone too – a tension between locals and second-home owners, especially as properties sit empty through the winter. But for Britton, Cornwall isn't a bolt-hole. 'People often say, 'Oh, you must be back in London now'. And I say, 'No, I'm in Cornwall all the time.' And when you're on your own on a beach in the middle of February, and it's a beautiful, bright day, you just think – wow – the others are missing this.' Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fern Britton (@fernbritton) Romantic complications also surface in Britton's novel, particularly through Delia, who inherits the house from her ex-husband. 'It was a kind of helpful device, really,' Britton says. 'Generally, when people are looking to save themselves, they go and save somebody else […] and together, you save each other.' Her perspective on relationships has naturally changed over time, particularly through watching her daughters – who are now in the 20s – navigate dating in the modern world. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fern Britton (@fernbritton) 'In the Seventies and Eighties, people just asked you out, there wasn't more thought put into it,' she says. 'But now, this narcissistic personality has actually been addressed and given a name, given an understanding.' She recalls a friend's toxic relationship: 'He was so clever – making her feel adored, and then picking fights, and it was all her fault. But it wasn't. I think that's very interesting.' There's no big message of A Cornish Legacy, no moral neatly tied up, but in the background, there's a quiet, persistent thread: people muddling through, weathering heartbreak and making peace with the past – or at least trying to. For Britton, that thread runs close to the bone. 'Writing lets me sit quietly with all the noise,' she says, 'and Cornwall – well, it's just the bit of me that feels like home.'
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Why you should NEVER criticise your ex in front of your children: Expert reveals why stars like Fern Britton and Kim Kardashian are right to be 'kind' about their former husbands
An expert has revealed why separated parents should never disparage one another in front of their children, after Fern Britton revealed she won't speak ill about her ex-husband Phil Vickery in front of their daughter. Many people will vent about an ex following a break-up, but doing so in front of your children can be a bad idea, according to Kate Daly, co-founder of leading online divorce services company amicable. Last week, Fern, 67, said she tries 'very hard' not to speak ill of her celebrity chef ex in front of her daughter Winnie, 23, who 'adores' her father And she's not the only star who has bitten their tongue despite a contentious co-parent relationship. Kim Kardashian previously said that she 'protects' Kanye West in front of their four children North, 12, Saint, nine, Chicago, seven and Psalm, six. 'My kids don't know anything that goes on in the outside world. I will protect that to the end of the earth,' she told the Angie Martinez IRL podcast. 'If we're riding to school and they want to listen to their dad's music, no matter what's going on I have to put a smile on face and act like nothing is going on'. Meanwhile, Katherine Ryan has said she won't speak ill of her ex Alex Elderman, who she shares 16-year-old daughter Violet with. Now Kate has told Femail that children are 'incredible perceptive' and 'take emotional cues from their parents'. She added that this aspect of co-parenting is often overlooked, but can leave a huge impact on children. 'Children are incredibly perceptive, and they take emotional cues from their parents,' she says. 'Speaking negatively about an ex in front of children can make them feel conflicted, for example that they are required to respond to the critique of the other parent and either agree with your criticism or defend their other parent. 'This is extremely anxiety-provoking for a child and leaves them feeling caught in the middle. 'It's important to remember that a child is made up of both parents – hearing one parent criticised can feel like a criticism of themselves.' Fiona Yassin, international family psychotherapist and founder of The Wave Clinic, added that while parents might think they are sharing information that will make their child feel safer with them, but this isn't true. She warns against parents using their children as confidants during difficult periods, as it can affect their relationships with other people in the future. 'If a child hears that their mum or dad has, for example, lied or had an affair, it does not just distil the child's trust in that parent, it also distils their trust in the world,' she explains. 'So if a parent confides in their child, they're not just disturbing their child's vision of that relationship, they're also disturbing their child's ability to trust the people they should be able to - in this instance, that's family. For some children, this may result in complex post-traumatic stress disorder (complex PTSD). 'Many parents believe that the more information they share with their child - in the hope of turning the child's emotions against the other parent - the safer that child will feel with them. 'This is, however, a complete misnomer. Children deserve emotional safety and if either parent is asking a child to take sides or continually running down the other parent, there is no emotional safety. ' Research shows that parental conflict, rather than the divorce or separation itself that puts children at higher risk of mental health and wellbeing problems, as well as negative relationships with peers. Kate says: 'Those children exposed to parental conflict are more likely to suffer emotional and behavioural difficulties or not to do so well in school. 'When parents bad-mouth each other, it can lead to confusion, loyalty conflicts, and stress for the child. In the long-term, this can affect their self-esteem, relationships (friendships and their romantic relationships in later life), and overall mental wellbeing.' Speaking badly of your ex can also damage your child's relationship with their other parent - or even with you. 'We see examples that carry on even into later where adult children may actively 'hide' their relationship with one parent from the other,' Kate adds. Even if you and your ex-spouse think you are doing a good job of hiding your conflict from your children, Fiona says it's 'important to understand that children pick up most of their clues about what's going on from a non-verbal basis'. This means your body language matters too. 'Whilst it's important to avoid arguing in front of the children, know that your non-verbal cues and the environment they're in will have an impact on your child,' Fiona explains. Kate advises keeping the focus on your child's wellbeing and to try and speak respectfully about one another if you can - or at the very least, speak neutrally, even if things are difficult. 'Avoid placing blame or sharing adult issues with your child – you wouldn't discuss intermarital issues with your child if you and your partner were together – so don't if you separate. 'If your child has questions, answer them honestly but age-appropriately but remember the boundaries. Think of it this way: every interaction is an opportunity to model emotional intelligence, kindness, and resilience.' Fiona also suggests being united with your ex on the topic of co-parenting. 'To move forward does not mean that you need to forgive, nor does it mean you need to forget. 'But it does mean that you need to put your parenting responsibilities above your relationship responsibilities. The divorce will dissolve the marriage, but it will not dissolve the biological basis of parenting.' If you feel stressed and upset with your ex, Fiona recommends using a journal to work through your thoughts and feelings about how you'd like to share and divide responsibilities with your children. 'Writing your thoughts down can help to clarify your thinking. Step away from your notes for a day or so and then come back to them when you're in a clearer headspace and are better able to make good decisions.'
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Fern Britton claims she was 'sacked' TV show after savage comment to producer
Fern Britton claims she was 'sacked' TV show after savage comment to producer Former This Morning presenter Fern Britton has claimed she was 'sacked' from a show after giving her honest opinion to a 'rubbish' producer behind the scenes Fern Britton has shared one particularly brutal comment a colleague made to her (Image: ITV ) This Morning veteran Fern Britton has shared her experiences of the cutthroat nature of the industry, revealing she was axed from a programme for giving candid feedback to a producer. Amid news of significant job cuts within ITV's daytime team, Fern reflected on the stressful nature of television work. Speaking to the i newspaper's 7 Days magazine, she recalled one particular incident where she was summarily sacked after challenging a producer's ideas. "I worked with a producer on a show years ago and she was giving me instructions that were utter nonsense," Fern said. "I went, 'This is rubbish. This isn't any kind of research. This is all wrong.' Within a week I was off that show." Her career has seen quite a few tough moments, including being let go after returning from maternity leave in the mid-1990s while grappling with post-natal depression. Fern was dismissed after breaking down in tears during an interview with a terminally ill cancer patient. In 2001, after welcoming her daughter Winnie, Fern faced pressure to return swiftly to her role on This Morning beside John Leslie. She was brutally told that, if she did not return to work straight away: "There's no job for you." Fern eventually departed from the morning show that she says she "loved," reportedly due to ongoing tensions with Phillip Schofield, who had stepped in as John Leslie's successor. Article continues below Fern has reinvented herself as a novelist (Image: PA ) Dismissing speculation that she left the programme due to a salary disagreement, she explained: "There was also a persistent rumour that I left because Phillip was being paid more than me and I always say to people 'Why would I leave a show to go to nothing if I was worried about money?'" Though she hasn't disclosed the precise incident that marked the end of her strained partnership with Schofield, in a conversation with Ray D'Arcy, she revealed: "Something happened and I thought, 'That's it really' and I walked away and resigned. I was treated pretty poorly, actually. And after a while I just thought, 'Sod it'." When she participated in Strictly Come Dancing, she claimed her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev had been physically tough with her. Fern moved permanently into her Cornish holiday home in Padstow five years ago (Image: PR HANDOUT ) Reflecting on her experiences, she said: "I remember once I burst into tears and sobbed that I wasn't enjoying it, Artem's response was, 'You're rubbish, that's why you're not enjoying it,' so I picked myself up and ploughed on." Artem denied all allegations made against him, claiming: "I treated her with respect and care." Aware of the brutally competitive nature of television, especially for those off-camera, she added: "It's harder for the people behind [the cameras] because they're having to deal with the budgets and with `upstairs'. Presenters, you've got to take it on the chin and you're lucky to be there, really". Simultaneously, she admits she can comprehend the bosses' rationale as they mandate the massive job cuts: "There are times when everything does need a reset. So maybe that's it. Maybe they're planning a reset." Fern will soon be back on TV, taking viewers inside a vet's surgery (Image: ITV ) Today, at 67, Fern is contentedly residing in Cornwall with a profitable career outside of television as a best-selling author. However, she still makes occasional appearances on screen and will soon return to ITV with a new six-part series titled Fern Britton: Inside the Vet's. Describing the programme, she stated: "Every pet has their story and every owner has theirs, so I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of this new series for ITV. Animals have always been a huge love of mine and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work the veterinary team does every day has been a privilege. Article continues below "Handing your pet over to the vet for any procedure is a worrying time. This series gives us a glimpse of what happens beyond the consulting room door, and is full of heart, fascinating stories, and, of course, plenty of adorable animals-I can't wait to share it with viewers!".
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
ITV This Morning's Fern Britton 'sacked from show' after showing true feelings
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info TV veteran Fern Britton has reflected on being axed from a programme following her frank critique to one of the producers. She revealed the precarious nature of the television industry in light of ITV's recent decision to cut roughly half of its 440 daytime production staff, conceding that it's "not an easy industry". In an interview with the i newspaper's 7 Days magazine, Fern recounted an incident where she called out a producer's poor show guidance. "I worked with a producer on a show years ago and she was giving me instructions that were utter nonsense," she said. "I went, 'This is rubbish. This isn't any kind of research. This is all wrong.' Within a week I was off that show." During her time as host of After Five in the mid-1990s, Fern had her first child and was dismissed shortly after when post-natal depression led her to weep during a sensitive interview with a terminally ill cancer patient, reports the Manchester Evening News. Circa 2001, while co-hosting This Morning with John Leslie, Fern shared how she was pressured to return swiftly postpartum, facing an ultimatum: "There's no job for you." Fern ultimately parted ways with the beloved show amid reputed conflicts with Phillip Schofield, who stepped in for Leslie. Refuting claims that she left her television show due to a pay dispute, she clarified: "There was also a persistent rumour that I left because Phillip was being paid more than me and I always say to people 'Why would I leave a show to go to nothing if I was worried about money?'". She has kept the details of her final breaking point with Schofield private, but in an interview with Ray D'Arcy, she hinted at the severity of the situation: "Something happened and I thought, 'That's it really' and I walked away and resigned. I was treated pretty poorly, actually. And after a while I just thought, 'Sod it'." Her experience on Strictly Come Dancing at the age of 55 brought further challenges, as she claimed her dance partner Artem Chigvintsev was physically rough and unsupportive. Reflecting on a particularly difficult moment, she shared: "I remember once I burst into tears and sobbed that I wasn't enjoying it, Artem's response was, 'You're rubbish, that's why you're not enjoying it,' so I picked myself up and ploughed on." She acknowledged the harsh realities of the television industry, noting it can be even tougher for those working behind the scenes: "It's harder for the people behind [the cameras] because they're having to deal with the budgets and with `upstairs'. Presenters, you've got to take it on the chin and you're lucky to be there, really". At the same time, she acknowledges the rationale behind the significant job cuts ordered by management: "There are times when everything does need a reset. So maybe that's it. Maybe they're planning a reset." Now 67, Fern enjoys a contented life in Cornwall, having carved out a successful career as a best-selling author, separate from her television endeavours. Yet, she still makes occasional TV appearances and is set to return to ITV with a new six-part series titled 'Fern Britton: Inside the Vet's'. Speaking about the upcoming show, she expressed her excitement: "Every pet has their story and every owner has theirs, so I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of this new series for ITV. Animals have always been a huge love of mine and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work the veterinary team does every day has been a privilege." She added: "Handing your pet over to the vet for any procedure is a worrying time. This series gives us a glimpse of what happens beyond the consulting room door, and is full of heart, fascinating stories, and, of course, plenty of adorable animals-I can't wait to share it with viewers!".
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Fern Britton's wholesome new life by the sea: How TV star has rebuilt herself as a successful author, shed five stone and embraced a healthy routine in Cornwall as her ex husband Phil Vickery cuts ties after painful end to their 20-year marriage
Fern Britton has undergone quite the life transformation since moving permanently into her Cornish holiday home in Padstow five years ago. Now, favouring a wholesome life by the sea, the TV presenter turned author, 67, spends her days writing novels and working out in her home gym, accompanied by her pet cats Dr Iain Mackerel and Barbara. Following the breakdown of her 20-year marriage in 2020, her life changed dramatically when her ex husband Phil Vickery abruptly cut all contact after the death of both her parents. Fern admitted to experiencing a 'catalogue of difficulty' in the events that followed but has now found peace within her new lifestyle and routine. After 'getting her life back on track' she is now a Sunday Times bestselling author and is an incredible 5 stone down after cutting out sugar from her diet and taking part in 6am gym classes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Novels Fern has long enjoyed storytelling, releasing her first novel New Beginnings 2011, two years after leaving This Morning. But since Covid she has been prolific in her writing, penning Daughters Of Cornwall in 2020 and The Good Servant two years later, with the hotly-anticipated A Cornish Legacy set for release in June. The Sunday Times bestselling author recently took to Instagram to reveal the cover of her new book, which promises another historical adventure on the south-west coastline. In a caption, Fern excitedly announced: 'Hello everyone! I'm delighted to share the cover of my new novel, A Cornish Legacy, out in hardback, eBook and audio in June. 'Enter Wilder Hoo House and discover its secrets! 'Nestled against the rugged Atlantic coast of Cornwall comes a heart-warming story of new beginnings and finding home where you least expect it… 'You can pre-order A Cornish Legacy with the link in my bio! Love, Fern. x #ACornishLegacy' She was soon flooded by encouraging comments from fans of her 10 previous novels, with some gushing about the 'beautiful' cover and anticipating a 'bestseller'. Of her latest book, the star told Femail: 'The headline is, 'A woman who has lost everything is left a house that is falling down. Can they save each other?' I was telling a friend this the other day and she said, 'That's your life.' I went, 'Oh yeah!'' The latest effort comes after she penned The Older I Get…: How I Repowered My Life in November, detailing how she navigated the challenges that had come her way in recent years. The book marked an opportunity to get a lot of her chest after a nightmare three-year spell which included the deaths of both her parents. The TV star lost her mother Ruth in April 2018 before her dad Tony, an actor in films such as The Day Of The Jackal, also passed at the end of the following year. She said last year: 'Looking back I was in a very bad place and gradually I started to pull myself out of it.' Weight loss journey Fern has also been moving on from hard times by working out in her home gym and showing off the incredible results on social media. This week she finally revealed the two life-changing things she has done to lose five stone in weight. The TV presenter has long been open about her weight struggles, having fluctuated between a size 22 and a size 12 over the years. Fern, who insists she has lost weight 'naturally' and without any Ozempic, said all she has done is cut-out sugar from her diet and do 6am gym classes as well as couch to 5K. She told Woman&Home magazine: 'People often wonder when you've lost lots of weight whether you've done it naturally. And I can look at you and say, "Yes, I have"'. Fern reflected on the powerful moment she decided to take back control of her health. She added: 'I had my shoulder replacement 18 months ago, and two-and-a-half years ago, when I saw the surgeon, he said, "I'm going to totally replace your shoulder, I'll see you in a year." 'I thought, "I need to get my life back on track. I need to stop smoking, stop drinking, get eating under control and stop lying in bed feeling sorry for myself". 'So I started the Couch to 5k, took about 80 per cent of the sugar out of my life and started to think about what I was eating, which I had never done before.' Amid her new 'fitness regime', Fern looks to have changed one of her bedrooms into a home gym as a number of different weights sat on the floor in front of her. In a video from January, Fern revealed she was started a new fitness regime which includes running, cycling, walking and lifting weights. She said: 'I've started running again and gone back to couch to 5K. 'New year, new fitness regime. Later on in the year I'll be walking a small leg of the south west coast parts which will take about a week to do. 'I'll be meeting my friend, who will be doing the whole 360 miles of coast, but I'm in training doing some walks throughout the week and wearing a rucksack with some weight in it and wearing my boots to wear them in. 'I shall start running again, two or three times a week and I'm going to start cycling again and will do some weights to get my arms and shoulder a bit stronger again.' Fern has had an amazing journey with her weight, undergoing a gastric band procedure back in 2006 which saw her go from a size 22 to 12 having shed five stone. She has continued to slim down since with her dedication to working out in her home gym, taking on the Couch to 5k challenge which led to her becoming a regular runner and cutting out one hugely-unhealthy habit. Fern looked incredible on This Morning in 2024 (pictured, left) showing off her weight loss, having worked hard in the gym over the last few years (pictured, right: Fern in 2022) Following Couch to 5k, the author stuck to running three times a week for around 45 minutes each time and also loves a bike ride She is also a fan of bike rides, yoga and long walks. Following Couch to 5k, the author stuck to running three times a week for around 45 minutes each time. Once given the OK to lift weights again following a shoulder injury, the presenter said she was also keen to get back to the gym. To improve her diet, she began eating more protein and vegetables, choosing healthier options over unhealthy snacks. She acknowledged the benefit, saying previously: 'I once again found the feeling of satiety. 'The thing in your brain that tells you that you are full. I'd been first class at overriding that for quite a while.' Fern added: 'If we can manage to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, while minimising processed foods, sugars and excessive salt, we'll be doing ourselves a real favour in the long term.' Late last year the presenter opened up about lockdown when some traumatic events led to her overhauling her lifestyle. Fern previously revealed she soon found herself struggling to find the point of getting out of bed and began smoking, drinking and eating badly. The star then noticed the physical side effects starting to have an effect on her health as she realised she had gained weight and was having problems breathing. She added: 'Looking back I was in a very bad place and gradually I started to pull myself out of it.' Fern even revealed that one night it all came to a head as she decided to quit smoking after too many cigarettes led to her pulling over mid car ride to throw up in a field. She now has regular therapy sessions and is exercising again. Family Fern was left devastated after she and Phil broke up following 22 years of marriage in 2020, with ensuing Covid lockdowns only accentuating her loneliness. The television presenter became divorced from the TV chef, 64, in 2020 after two decades together. The split followed the deaths of Fern's parents, which reportedly caused the pair to realise that they had to 'follow their own paths'. Now in a new interview, Fern has said that Phil stopped talking to her after her mum died. Previously they were reported to have maintained a 'basic' level of communication after they split. In an interview with Yours magazine, Fern admitted: 'He hasn't spoken to me for six years now. As soon as my mum died, he stopped talking to me.' A representative for Phil has been contacted by MailOnline for comment. The Celebrity Big Brother 2024 contestant insists she tries 'very hard' to not 'bad-mouth' Phil for the sake of their 23-year-old daughter Winnie. Fern shares twin sons Harry and Jack, 31, and daughter Grace, 27, from her first marriage, to Clive Jones, and daughter Winnie with ex Phil. She said: 'Winnie adores him. I'm not going to bad-mouth him in front of her; at least, I try very hard not to. I was the child of divorced parents and my mum never bad-mouthed my father.' During an appearance on James Martin 's Saturday Kitchen recently Fern said that 'life is good' as being a single woman meant there was now nobody there to judge her. She revealed: 'I can sit down in the morning and watch all the daytime television I like. No one's going to judge me for it, I don't have to get dressed up and made up.' A few weeks prior, the happy trio were together once more and all flashed beaming smiles as they posed for a picture She went on: 'I am my own boss now, which is great, in every sense, my life my work, everything, I'm my own boss and I'm enjoying that.' The former This Morning star is now kept company by her two cats Barbara and Dr Iain Mackerel, posting loveable pics of the pair to her Instagram - whenever they can sit still, that is. In a recent snap, Dr Iain could be seen taking a morning nap after a busy night, stretching out on the sofa much to the delight of Fern's Instagram followers. She captioned the post: 'Dr Iain Mackerel has been on a late shift and just come home for a hearty breakfast and snooze. He says Hi ! X' Barbara meanwhile can often be spotted underneath the couch or by the fireplace, in what is clearly a very cosy environment at the Britton household. Last year Fern, who also shares twins Harry and Jack, 29, and Grace, 26, with first husband Clive Jones, admitted she 'lost herself' and struggled to cope after her divorce from Phil. Speaking on Morning Live, Fern said: 'The last seven years have been tricky. I lost my parents, I got divorced, the pandemic, and then I kind of lost myself.' She continued: 'I really wasn't coping well with that stuff - I was eating too much, I wasn't exercising. 'Not doing very well. And then I thought, I've really got to get the power back in me, and then I had the thought of this word - repowering.' Opening up on her dating life, Fern added: 'We've got the power. You look back and when you were younger, everything was fun. It was proper stuff - now it's all swiping, and I hate it, and I'm not going to do that. 'It was such a fun time going to parties, and you were excited to meet strangers. I don't want to meet strangers anymore, I don't want to be invited to huge parties.' Fern also receives regular visits from her daughters Winnie and Grace, heading to Looe for some lunch earlier this month and posting an adorable snap of them all together. A few weeks prior, the happy trio were together once more and all flashed beaming smiles as they posed for a picture.
